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The Jackie Dress: Style It Your Way!

We were so inspired by all the wonderful entries from our recent sewing competition that we’ve decided to give away three more copies of our new book. The BurdaStyle team has taken one of the variation projects from BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern, the 1960s Jackie Dress, and styled it three ways. (This dress is based on the 1920s Louisa Drop-Waist Dress master pattern, as shown here in an abstract silk charmeuse.)

We’re curious to see how others in the BurdaStyle community would style and wear this silhouette. For a chance to win this fun and creative book (plus a few other surprise goodies), please answer the following question in the comments section below: How would you style the 1960s Jackie Dress? Tell us why you like this pattern, what fabric you’d make it in, and where you’d wear it to.

How would you style the 1960s Jackie Dress?

I would like to give this mod dress style a futuristic twist by styling it with modern accessories. I couldn’t imagine wearing this dress without a pair of sunglasses, so I would totally rock a pair of cat-eye style sunglasses. A bright pair of Jeffery Campbell Lita’s would make my legs look long and accentuate the silhouette of the dress. I wouldn’t style this dress with a necklace because the wide roll collar is a statement in itself. A wide silver cuff finishes off my look – I love the details on this 3D Triangle Bracelet.

Why do you like this pattern, and what fabric would you make it in?

I like the simplicity of this sewing pattern, and how it only has two bust darts. The simple design allows me to easily sew it up in an awesome print! The wide roll collar is another great feature, and it really frames the face. I have already made this dress in a cool Graffiti Print, so I would totally make it again in a galaxy printed silk cotton.

Where would you wear this dress style?

I would wear this dress both day and night! The simple and conservative style makes it an appropriate style for work and shopping. But since I would sew it in a cool print, it is definitely fun enough to wear out- especially to dinner because it is loose-fitting.

How would you style the 1960s Jackie Dress?

I would make my Jackie Dress without the belt and with a shorter hemline and style it with a cute pair of stud earrings (not to take away from the neckline), and one or two chunky bracelets. For shoes, I would wear a pair of cute and simple wedges.

Why do you like this pattern, and what fabric would you make it in?

I love this pattern because of its simple lines and versatility. This past winter, I made a wool Jackie Dress with sleeves, and this spring I’m excited to make the original sleeveless variation in a cotton silk.

Where would you wear this dress style?

I would wear this dress just about anywhere dress appropriate: lunch with the girls, a bridal shower, the horse races, an engagement party, a gallery opening, etc. I know I’ll wear my spring Jackie variation to my friend’s 30th birthday party next month!

How would you style the 1960s Jackie Dress?

I’d shorten the hem and still include the belt, but I’d make the bow slightly asymmetric off to one side as opposed to positioning it front and center. I see myself wearing this in the springtime with a pair of modern clogs like these Loeffler Randalls with wrap-around ankle straps. I can’t just go all black and white, so I’d need to add a pop of color with a statement bag in a contrasting texture, such as this multicolored striped one with a nice, long strap. Lastly, I’d need a pair of fun sunglasses that are slightly offbeat with a little interest, such as these Fendi shades with contrasting pink detail at the top of the frame set against the tortoise.

Why do you like this pattern, and what fabric would you make it in?

I designed the Jackie Dress project variation for BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern with a modern Jackie O. silhouette in mind. I had always imagined it being sewn in a striking brocade versus a traditional wool, similar to the fabric I picked out for the Jackie Dress featured in the book which is pretty futuristic and loud. If I had to envision another Jackie Dress, I’d make it in a printed silk zibeline to give it an architectural form, like this abstract black and white tulip motif. I like the texture of its twill weave and also that it is more matte, less shiny. This fabric does not wrinkle as easily and has a nice structure.

Where would you wear this dress style?

I always wear dresses, so there’s no stopping me from wearing it anywhere, really. I would wear it to a dinner party, a museum outing, while on vacation, or even in colder months with opaque tights underneath.

Here are some examples of Jackie dress variations that we have previously designed!

Comment on our blog for a chance to win a copy of BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern: Mastering Iconic Looks from the 1920s to 1980s by Nora Abousteit with Jamie Lau. Answer the following question in the comments section below: How would you style the 1960s Jackie Dress? Tell us why you like this pattern, what fabric you’d make it in, and where you’d wear it to. The deadline for submissions is March 17, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST). Three lucky winners will be chosen.

I could not pick just one way to make this dress. I love the variations, but can never have enough shift dresses so first I would make a very lightweight, sleeveless version of this dress, maybe with a lace detail to wear to summer concerts. I would pair it with espadrilles or a pair of wedges. Since I live in a state with a long winter, I would make another shift version of the dress with sleeves in a plaid wool to pair with thick textured tights and knee high boots. With the neckline, a necklace would not be needed so I would simply add a pair of studs and one of my many signature large rings that I wear on my index finger.

I love this dress because it is so simple yet has this elegance when wearer puts it on.
For me, I would use large african prints. Thinking of one with a purple background and some black(you they ar mostly multicolored but u can still have ur choice color as the major one) which is cotton by the way for that edgy and unique look with a peep-toe wedge heels. For accesories, I would wear a silver braclet and earrings

My variation of the dress won’t be much, I love the neck already so no change there. The lower body that is from the waist down I would cut it out to add some fullness for me. That will do just fine. It would be great for church service and museum outing.

I love the simplicity of the Jackie pattern! It looks like a super speedy make. Also, obviously, it reminds me of Jackie O – who had great style. I especially love the collar! I think it would look great in a cotton eyelet- one with a scalloped edging which could be used across the hem of the dress, instead of a standard straight hem. A dress like that would be great for frolicking about in the summer time!

I would wear it with black patent leather court-shoes, and cropped (high-hip length) Summer jacket with 60s style notched collar, my small, practical handbag, and a belt. Oh, and a headband and my round silver pendant.

In the winter, knee-high boots would replace the court-shoes, and smart overcoat that could be worn open indoors would look great, especially with fabric-covered buttons.

For the colour, blue, matching the jacket.

And maybe make it as a brightly coloured top to wear with black or cigarette pants or an a-line skirt. There, a capsual wardrobe. Add a couple of chic sweaters in neutral colours and I’d have a wardrobe for the whole year!

I am inspired to make a similar dress I saw on and episode of “The Saint” one of the Villaineses had the great dress. It was chartreuse/olive green, shantung and chiffon, It was very classic “A” line 60’s sheath with a great Watteau back made of the matching chiffon that was gathered to the hem of the above knees hem. I truly love this silhouette, very classic and has a great base for making really dramatic modifications. I would use a floral set of matching printed floral silk and chiffon and wear if for my 9th anniversary celebration coming this year.

I would style this dress in a hippy way.
It would be made of red, orange, yellow and light-green batik fabric.(i guess cotton would be the best)
It would be very simple, (because of the bright fabric) – no bows, no belts.
And the dress would look good paired with low-heeled Romian sandals, (no tights, of course) small leather jacket and a tiny, neutral crown, putted on natural, curly hair. Make-up – none or neutral.
This would be a perfect dress to wear at some friends summer wedding!

I would style this dress in a rich mustard yellow with an aqua belt & purse, tortoise shell glasses and fabulous leopard print sling back shoes. Possibly a thick gold cuff bracelet or watch. It is such a timeless pattern.

I love this style dress, it’s so simple yet fresh and flattering at the same time! I think I’d make the body of the dress with black jersey with little polka dots (or any other little element) and make the color in a contrasting color! I wear this with burgundy tights, my black oxfords and a top knot to make sure my hair is out of the way of the beautiful collar!

I love the silhouette of this pattern with its fitted waist and rolled down collar! I would make this in a pink boucle fabric, and pair it with black tights and all black t-strap oxford-heels. I would accessorize it with a black vintage 60’s oval rounded hat, and dainty little white gloves. If this outfit was sitting in front of me right now, I would wear it to retro night in Halifax. The weather is chilly, so I would also need an A-line double breasted 3/4 length vintage wool jacket too. This outfit wouldn’t be complete without a simple black clutch to carry my Lucky-Strikes, compact, and red lipstick.

This dress is as simple as chic.I wolud chose a solid blue color wool fabric and I would combine it with nice printed stockings to pup it up from its ’60es look.
To complete the look I would wear a pair of Chie Mihara shoes and a nice cluch bag

The pattern is fabulous – so timeless you can make it fit in any era. Today, I’m thinking about doing the dress in golden orange paisley fabric with notes of khaki green, with a tan-coloured leather belt. Then I’d style it with tan calf length boots, big hoop earrings, lashings of mascara and cat’s eye eyeliner. With hair piled high in a bun and maybe a fine knit black cardigan, since the weather’s getting cooler in Oz.

This has got to be one of the most classic silhouettes of all time. I love the clean lines, which make it the perfect base for a spectacular lace fabric. I would wear it to the office with a cardigan thrown over the shoulder, or for a night out on the town with a pair of fabulous heels!

My day job involves chasing three kids around, so I’d style this casually glamorous. I’d like it in a lightweight cotton linen chambray with an indigo wash. I’d use all mustard-colored accents (my favorite color!) – mustard skinny belt, yellow flats, and a yellow chunky necklace to keep the baby occupied. To dress it up for a (rare) date night, I’d style it with red stilettos, red patent belt, and long dramatic red earrings.

I just love this style of dress & have for many years – it’s a flattering style for pretty much everyone. I would make this dress in a lightweight stretch denim & use top stitching as a feature. This would give me a super stylish yet casual dress that would fit perfectly into my hectic life of running around after two girls! I would team it with a thin red belt & red wedges for a summer look & pop a long sleeve tee under it, with a natural leather belt & boots for an easy winter look.

I love the simple pattern, I am not very good at reading patterns but plod on slowly and my projects turn out okay. I brought 2mt of Field Study, Lace/Seaweed from my wonderful friends online fabric shop called www.warpandweft.ca. I would wear it with my ballet flats and pearls!

I would make this dress in a wool fabric with a large black and white houndstooth print. I’d style it with a thin patent leather belt, chunky black bracelets and red patent leather platform stilletos to add a pop of colour and fun. To finish off the look I would definitely be wearing a pair of large Jackie O style sunglasses.

I would style the 1960s Jackie Dress for office business, and client dinners. It is a simple, yet elegant design; it allows the look of a professional, yet it is classy and not boring. I would make the dress in a cotton/silk poplin of a Bajou Blue colour. I would make a collarless Lavender Grey blazer to wear over my dress in the office for when the AC gets to cold. The shoulder style princess seams would be slotted seams with blue underlay. My belt would be knotted using the two colours and fastened inconspicuously at the side. I would wear nude nylons, and grey wedged pumps. My earnings would be the traditional pearls of Jackie O. This is the perfect outfit for in the office or at a clients place of business. Since there is usually no time to change before a business dinner, I can easily switch to a black belt, black pumps, and a black leather coat. My gold diamond watch and gold diamond earrings would complete the outfit! Thank you

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I have a cobalt coloured light wool, it’s the richest blue. The dress would be the star on the ensemble with a crystal broach for some shine. I’d down-play the rest of the accessories: simple black pearl earrings, black patent leather pumps, and my onyx beaded braclet. I don’t have sunglasses, but maybe I need some, it is a Jackie Dress.

I like that this dress has simple lines, yet it still looks unique.
I would shorten the skirt portion of the dress wear it with black tights and flats.
The dress would be in a semi-heavy fabric of an orange-red colour, with a black velvet bow at the waist.
I would wear this at a family get-together that we will have in the spring.

i’d go for a bright red-white-blue tartan fabric i’ve been waiting to use for sone time now, it’d keep in with the mod feel. love the belt but i think i’d make more of the bow and put it at the back, add a pair of ankle boots and big ass hoop earings…boom! love the pattern because it’s versatile, simple, feminine but not girly which is my kinda style. where would i wear it? i’d rock that baby anywhere!

I would probably wear this dress with bracelets and earrings, no necklaces. If I could I would get an extra pair of frames for my glasses in a more cats-eye shape to match. I like this pattern because of it’s simplicity. It could be a very simple, stylish dress, for example a black dress with a red belt. It could be much more funky in a fun print. For that very reason it could be worn anywhere, from a family gathering to a date with my husband to a grocery trip.

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